ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DECENTRALIZATION PROCESS: A CASE STUDY OF THE KASSENA NANKANA MUNICIPAL
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: To assess the influence of decentralization on democracy, participation, good governance, and service quality in the Kassena Nankana Municipal, Ghana.
Statement of the Problem: Decentralization is intended to enhance grassroots participation, democracy, good governance, and efficient service delivery. However, the current administrative, legislative, and political arrangements in Ghana allow the Central Government to usurp local authorities' powers, preventing the realization of these goals to a substantial level.
Methodology: The study employed a mixed methods approach with purposive sampling techniques to select respondents. Data were analyzed using both inferential and descriptive methods, presented with IBM SPSS software version 20. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and observations.
Findings: The study revealed that, to a moderate extent (Mean = 3.3333), decentralization is effective in Kassena Nankana Municipal. While there have been successes, complete success in decentralization policy implementation has not been achieved. Challenges include the central government’s retention of significant control and the lack of elected Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Recommendations: To safeguard and improve decentralization in Ghana, the study recommends ensuring sufficient funding for all responsibilities, regularly building capacities, strengthening sub-district structures, electing MMDCEs through universal adult suffrage, enhancing participatory governance and citizen engagement, and remunerating Assembly Members and Unit Committee Members. Additionally, addressing gender disparities requires structural adjustments to support more women in the decentralization process, including tailored networking initiatives, inclusive representation through quotas, partnership building, advocacy, and promoting women’s economic empowerment
Keywords: Effectiveness, Decentralization, Decentralization Process, Governance, Decentralization Policy.
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